Homemade anti-theft bike locks. Bike lock

Lighting, cycling clothing, and other useful items every cyclist can (and sometimes should) have.

Major cycling accessories

1. Cycling gloves

After a fall, first of all, the palms are affected, which, as a rule, cyclists put forward. In addition, the gloves prevent the cyclist's hands from rubbing on the handlebars, and also prevent the cyclist's hands from rubbing on bumps and dimples.

There are two types of cycling gloves:

1.1 Short - they have open fingertips

1.2 Long - completely cover the wrist, protecting from wind and frost.

Usually the palm on such gloves is made of leather or leatherette, and the top is spandex, lycra or other material that will "breathe" and wick moisture away.

It is advisable to purchase bright cycling gloves, since with signals they will be better visible to other participants road traffic as well as pedestrians.

2. Bicycle computer (mileage counter and bike speedometer)

If you want to regularly monitor your workouts, then this accessory is a must. The bike computer has many functions, including current speed, mileage (total, per day, etc.), average speed, maximum speed, time, etc.

The navigator is especially useful for those who ride a lot and visit little-known or new places. On the touchscreen of the bike navigator, you can see your current location, route, as well as the cyclist's heart rate and speed.

There are several options for bike navigators. For example, Schwinn Cyclenav communicates with your phone using Bluetooth and uses sound and a simple screen to tell you when to turn left or right.

4. Trunk, bag or backpack for a bicycle

Each cyclist has a certain load that he either regularly carries with him or transports. Therefore, it is very important to have a bike bag, backpack or special rack.

4.1 Most often cyclists use backpack, but this can be a nuisance, especially if the backpack is heavy. In addition, the back sweats more from the backpack.

Simply attaches to the frame and can hold up to 50 kg of load. There are seatpost racks that can support up to 5kg.

4.3 If the cyclist is planning a long trip, then it makes sense to acquire bike bag... These bags can have a volume of up to 85 liters.

The most comfortable bag for long cycling trips is the monobail - it has straps so you can carry the backpack on your shoulders when you cross a difficult area for a bike.

This basket has several protective straps to prevent your belongings from falling out.

This signal is needed so that the cyclist can signal other road users about his approach.

6.

There are several types of bike batteries and this is one of them. It is very convenient to install it, and it is installed directly on bicycle wheel... It generates clean energy that can supply electricity to your phone or other USB gadget.

As soon as you pick up a speed of more than 5 km / h, this generator begins to store energy.

7. Phone case with 22 built-in bike tools

8. Compact bike pump

This essential accessory is a must-have for every cyclist. With it, you can pump up the wheel for yourself and another cyclist.

9. Cycling clothing

Such clothing should be bright (for daytime driving) and have reflective stripes (for nighttime driving).

9.1 A very important part of a cyclist's clothing is special shorts or breeches with built-in padding that protects against unpleasant sensations while riding. It also wicks sweat well.

9.2 Also look out for a cycling jersey that wicks moisture away and dries quickly, unlike a cotton one.

In principle, this paragraph can include any clothing or accessory with reflectors that makes cycling safer.

9.4 Instead of clothes with reflectors, you can have such a vest with signal lights with you.

This vest has 23 built-in LEDs that are activated while driving. When you lift right hand, the lights will show you are turning right, and when turning left, left.

10. Bicycle lights (lights, flashers, stickers)

10.1 Flashlight that illuminates the road (in front).

10.2 Rear flasher that signals to other road users that you are on the road.

10.3 Light for bicycle wheels.

This accessory not only makes your bike more spectacular, but also safer. other road users will see you perfectly. There are also bicycles painted in paint that glows in the dark; and a similar bike costs about $ 400.

For your safety, you can also use these stickers. Just stick them all over the bike. You can create a specific pattern to make your bike look interesting.

Best for the bike

After you have used the lock to attach the bike to a rack, activate an alarm that will send a message to your phone if any movement of the bike is detected. The alarm in this image is called The Crocket and has a range of about 45 meters.

12. Bicycle lock

In order not to worry about the safety of your bike, have a special lock with you. There are several types of bike locks:

12.1

The most reliable and durable bike lock. It is very difficult to pick a master key for this lock, and it is also incredibly difficult to bite it with reinforcing scissors.

12.2

There are also several types of such locks - there are locks with a simple chain, but they are easy to cut even with an ordinary hacksaw, and there are locks made of a special alloy, which have a chain with links of a complex shape, which makes it much more difficult to cut them.

12.3

These locks are somewhat similar to chain locks. The difference is that they weigh less and are easier to handle. Try to choose locks with a cable twisted into a spiral, because such locks take up little space, moreover, they have a considerable length.

12.4

Such a simple lock is attached to the frame and is not very reliable, because the bonding points of the plates are rather fragile and can break. In addition, you need to have a key with you for it.

You can use a combination lock, which does not require a key. Both locks have approximately the same level of security.

13. Column, charger and flashlight 3 in 1

Called The Buckshot, it contains a flashlight (it can be used as a flashing light, a regular flashlight and a tent lamp), as well as a Bluetooth speaker and a charger for your phone.

14. A bottle that keeps your drinking liquid cool for a long time

If you ride a bike often, then you should always have a water bottle with you. You can use the Camelbak Podium Ice bottle, which is able to keep the liquid cool for quite some time.

To make this possible, a technology is used, which is described as "aerogel insulation", which is more efficient than the technology used in conventional thermoses.

15. Protective helmet

15.1

It is an important part of a cyclist's outfit. It protects your head from impacts during falls and road accidents.

The most important thing is that the helmet is lightweight, durable and has good ventilation so that the head does not sweat and does not create inconvenience while riding.

A healthy lifestyle for many is not just words, but an opportunity to travel, albeit in their own separate city. Such trips allow you to forget about traffic jams and the eternal crush in public transport. They are a great way to get a lean and toned body, as they make your muscles work. But still, this type of transport has one drawback.

He is very often stolen, unless special measures have been taken. Therefore, amateurs active image life has to look for ways to protect your bike from theft. To do this, you have to use various locks and very often even collect a kind of alarm for a bicycle with your own hands. It is possible to purchase such products in the retail network, but it is still cheaper to make them yourself. Moreover, many recommendations on this issue have been published on the Internet.

What properties should a lock have?

Let's start with the simplest device. This is the castle. Today it is a smart device that is controlled via an application on a smartphone. These locks are usually equipped with a mobile communication module and a GPS receiver in case of theft. Moreover, they do not have to be purchased in the retail network. A person with initial knowledge in this industry will be able to assemble the simplest GPS beacon for a bicycle with his own hands.

We watch the video, information about bike locks and their effectiveness:

You can, of course, get by with an ordinary lock of a classical design. These are usually hung on a cable that secures the bike to a support. But they are no longer reliable protection against theft, and even more so they will not be able to help in finding a bike.

Therefore, most owners of this type of transport prefer to combine a lock with an alarm. A feature of this device is the ability to emit a loud sound that is not entirely pleasant to the human ear. Moreover, an alarm is triggered at the slightest vibration, which significantly increases the owner's chances of stopping the thief.

There are other options for such combined devices. In them, the alarm is most often hidden in the steering sleeve and, when attempting to steal, sends an SMS to the owner's mobile phone.

What is required for assembly

It cannot be argued that such a device with a 100% guarantee will save you from theft, but in many cases it is a wonderful way to preserve your property. You can make the simplest lock yourself.

Chain and main bike lock

This requires only a few components:

Chain with medium links, about 60 cm long;
High shackle lock;
Shrink cambric.

They can be bought at a hardware store for the minimum amount. The only thing you shouldn't save on is the lock. It should have a rather rough eye and a complex key shape.

After everything is purchased, you can start making a bicycle lock, assembled with your own hands using a chain. Making it is not at all difficult. For this, a cambric is put on the chain and warmed up along the entire length with a construction hairdryer.

But here it is extremely important to stop in time, since if you tighten it very tightly, then elasticity will be lost. After that, the extreme links of the chain are connected and the lock is ready.

Bicycle Alarm - Assembly Steps

The emergence of a large number technical means for biting bike trails has led to an increase in theft. But at the same time, it encouraged bike owners to choose locks more carefully and even install alarms. But not every cyclist has the opportunity to purchase expensive industrial models, so many people prefer to assemble such devices on their own. How to make the simplest bike lock was discussed above. Now let's move on to the issue of self-assembly of the alarm.

We are watching a video review of the sound alarm, the stages of work:

This model contains only 4 parts. But before proceeding with the installation work, you should know that:

None of the existing technical means give a 100% guarantee of the safety of the bike;
Theft is carried out even from the most crowded places;
Buckling vehicle for the frame, you risk losing wheels;
Even the strongest and thickest rope can be easily cut with ordinary bolt cutters.

Therefore, the proposed model creates more psychological than physical obstacles. And in search of an answer to the question: how to make a bicycle lock with your own hands, you can stop at it. Seeing an unusual device, the thief will think whether it is worth biting the cable and how can this threaten him personally?

Watching the video, making a GPS bug on our own:

If, after reading these lines, you are convinced of the need to assemble a GPS tracker for a bicycle with your own hands, then you can safely proceed to work. The proposed version of the device is connected to a cable and a bike. In this case, the loop must be protected with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing. This will make it difficult to short-circuit the wires to disable the alarm, which will sound the siren when you try to bite the cable.

The body of such a device is made of durable material and it is very difficult to break it on the move. And since the power supply is inside it, it will take time to turn it off. Moreover, all actions of this kind will be accompanied by a loud siren.

The diagram of such a simple alarm for a bicycle assembled by hand includes the following elements:

Ready siren;
0.5A transistor;
Crown battery 9 V.

When creating a device, you have the right to change the configuration by including a resistor of any power in it.

The principle of operation of such a self-assembled bicycle alarm is as follows. As long as the loop is intact, it keeps the transistor closed, pulling its gate to ground. But at the slightest violation of the circuit, it opens and the siren is triggered. Since a field-effect transistor with an insulated gate is selected for the circuit, its current is very small.

Bicycle alarm circuit

The sequence of connecting the elements can be seen in the diagram above. After the device is ready, it is placed in the case. It is most convenient to make it from plexiglass and plywood. Such a case calmly withstands quite strong blows... And it will be difficult even for an adult to break it. In the meantime, the thief will not be able to turn off the siren.

When assembling the circuit, you need to make sure that the wiring does not fall off when the wiring is hit. To do this, they are fixed with electrical tape.

In the place where the siren will be located, holes must be made in advance. And in the back wall of the case there will be a cable that connects to the conductors. Such a device is attached to the bike frame with a cable. Moreover, this stage of work should be performed in such a way that the siren could not be thrown away even by biting the cable.

How effective is a self-assembled alarm system

In search of an answer to this question, one has to compare the device with industrial models. Of course, the latter are less vulnerable, but their cost will be much higher. As for self-made devices, they can be damaged if exposed to rain, disconnected at the most inopportune moment for any reason. Therefore, it is better to give preference to industrial signaling.

We watch the video, make a siren - work in stages:

However, if you nevertheless decided to carry out the assembly on your own, then it is worth choosing a scheme in which GPS control, a sound siren and a powerful circuit will be combined. How to make such an alarm on a bicycle with your own hands was described above. Whether it can become an effective protection against a hijacker depends on the parts used in it and the build quality.

However, any, even the most complex, circuit has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account in the process of developing a device.

How to find the best bike lock? There are a whole host of individual varieties. anti-theft equipment... Let's try to figure out together which product will best protect the bike from intruders.

What is useful to know about locks?

To find the most effective bike protection, you need to understand the types of locks, have information about the advantages and disadvantages of certain models.

When choosing a bike lock, you need to take into account possible parking places. Most of the products are designed to protect two-wheeled vehicles that are left in special parking lots in front of buildings. However, if you wish, you can pick up reliable remedy for securing the bike to a lamp post, pipe or bench.

Whichever type of lock suits the cyclist, whether it is a product based on a metal cable, a lock for a bicycle chain or a U-shaped system, you must always remember that the miser pays twice.

Which is better - a lock with a key or a combination mechanism?

The mechanism of action of the systems for blocking the chain and wheels is based on fixing these elements in a static position, which prevents the rotation of the mechanisms. It is recommended to fasten the bike with such locks on a short time... Indeed, in the event of a theft, the attacker, at best, will have to carry the bike on his own shoulders.

To reduce the likelihood of theft, as well as causing any damage to two-wheeled vehicles, it is recommended to adhere to the following recommendations:

It is better to fasten the bike in the most crowded places... Naturally, this will not be able to stop a skilled cracker, but it will certainly make beginners think.
It is worth using several locks at the same time. Breaking them will definitely take more time from the attacker. In addition, fixing individual parts of the bike will protect you from those who hunt, for example, for wheels or the trunk of a vehicle.
When using several anti-theft agents, it is desirable that one bicycle lock be U- or D-shaped, because it is not so easy to quickly break a thick metal arch.
Shifting the bike systems into low gears helps catch up with the burglar. Even pedaling furiously, an attacker will not be able to move faster than a walking pace. Naturally, this option is effective only if the bike is constantly in sight of the owner.

As the number of bicycles grows, so does the number of thefts. To keep their property safe, owners use bike locks. However, cheap models are not reliable, and buying more durable options can hit your pocket hard. How to make a bicycle lock with your own hands will be described later.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other anti-theft device, a homemade bike lock has its pros and cons. Its main advantages are:

When using a thick steel chain, it is almost impossible to bite into it.
Low manufacturing cost (most of the materials are on the farm).
You can independently make a lock of any appearance and configuration. The owner can choose the color and size of the product himself. Therefore, each bike lock will be unique in its own way.

However, a self-made device has its drawbacks:

Building a castle takes time and effort.

The lock itself can be opened fairly quickly by a trained bicycle thief (this problem can be solved by purchasing a more expensive and reliable lock, but in this case the manufacturing costs will increase significantly). Therefore, it is still not recommended to leave the bike unattended for a long time.

Important! Another significant disadvantage of homemade is its heavy weight... This problem can be partially solved by a competent selection of a chain and a padlock.

Necessary materials

Before you start making a bike lock, you will need to stock up on some equipment and materials.

Iron chain about 60-70 cm long. Any option will do. But the stronger (in this regard, steel is significantly ahead of aluminum) and thicker the chain, the more difficult it will be to bite. A too bulky bike lock will also not be very convenient, so here you need to look for a middle ground. The chain can be purchased from a nearby hardware store or hardware store.
Textile. Any kind of fabric can be used for the cover. But dense and durable materials that repel moisture are best. Alternatively, you can sew a cover from old jeans. A raincoat fabric is also perfect for this purpose.
Thread and needle. Required for sewing fabric. For convenience, it is best to use a sewing machine.
The padlock. It is with his help that the circuit will close. You should choose a lock of a medium size so that it does not take up much space, but at the same time is sufficiently reliable.
Dye. If desired, you can paint the sections of the chain that are not covered with a cloth.

Required materials for making a bike lock

The cost of a padlock is 100-150 rubles. An old chain can often be found on the farm, just like cloth. But even if you buy them, the cost of manufacturing will not exceed 300-400 rubles. This is significantly lower than the price of a good bike lock at a sporting goods store. At the same time, the quality of the product does not suffer at all.

Manufacturing

Making a bike lock with your own hands can be divided into several steps:

First step

If used for manufacturing old chain, it must be cleaned of rust. To do this, you can use white vinegar or a specialized solvent. However, the best effect is brought by the processing of metal with abrasives. After that, you can paint the extreme links (for new chain is not required condition, but old metal is better to be additionally processed - this will prevent rusting and improve appearance). Acrylic paint can be used here (it is advisable to choose a dye based on the metal).

Second step

Next, you need to prepare a fabric cover. When creating it, you can apply different kinds materials, but it is better to choose a water-repellent or breathable option (this is necessary so that the chain under the cover does not rust). It is also desirable for the fabric to stretch. In this case, the cover is sewn exactly according to the thickness of the chain and a few centimeters shorter (the stretching fabric will save you from knocking the chain during travel). If the material is not capable of strong stretching, the cover should be made a little wider. The main thing is that it does not hinder the movement of the chain. Also, some types of fabric require processing so that the edge does not "crumble". When the cover is ready, you can put it on the chain.

Third step

Now you need to connect the extreme links of the chain with a lock. You can also buy it at a hardware store or hardware store. Almost any lock will do. The main thing is that he reliably holds the entire structure together. It is also better to choose a model, the thickness of the bow of which is equal to the thickness of the chain link (otherwise it makes no sense to buy a thick chain, because the lock will become weak point products).

DIY combination lock

Important! The most convenient way is to use a snap lock. The main thing is not to leave the key at home.

This completes the manufacture of the bicycle lock. Now you can put it to the test.

Edited: 22.10.2019

Let's be honest right away - no bike lock gives a 100% guarantee against bike theft.

Make the hijacking as difficult and time-consuming as possible.

All bicycles, both expensive and cheap, are being stolen. So those who think that his bike is too old and ugly - you can be sure, since you need it, then there will definitely be someone who needs it too. Maybe just go for a drive and quit, or maybe sell for a cheap price.

In most cases, thieves operate according to several basic schemes:

They cut through the cables of locks or weak chains with bolt cutters or powerful nippers.
They open simple locks with keys in the same way as they do on the doors of apartments - with master keys.
They knock weak locks off the rope with milk. This means, the place where the cable is attached to the lock part.

If it takes more than one or two minutes to steal a bike, most likely the thief will no longer contact your bike.

Bicycle theft is a poorly resolved crime that brings good income to bicycles and accounts for about a third of all crimes against private property. According to police in many countries, most stolen bicycles are sold as used in the markets or on the Internet, sometimes for parts. In the US, about 50% of stolen bicycles are sold via the Internet, another 30% - right on the street.

Who are the most likely bike robbers? In addition to professionals who will not be stopped by ordinary locks, these are mostly petty thieves, homeless people, drug addicts and teenagers who just dream of driving a cool bike. What is their motivation? Resell on the cheap, or ride and quit.

Hence the conclusion - by no means all of them have the skills to open key or combination locks. Although the Internet is full of different videos on how to open different locks, watching and doing it yourself is a little different thing.

But they can use simple and decisive methods such as a small bolt cutter, a hammer or powerful nippers.

Most The best way protect the bike - do not leave it unattended... But it is clear that this is not always possible. A very good way out is to ride with a company, or at least two people, so that one of your friends always remains with the bike.

There are several types of bike locks:

Arc(they are also called or D-shaped). Such a lock, especially if the arc is of normal thickness (at least 10-12 mm) and is made of hardened steel, you cannot just bite with bolt cutters. These are the most reliable locks.
Lamellar.
Similar to the previous type, but instead of an arc, steel plates are used that are firmly attached to each other. In terms of durability, they are also one of the most reliable. Especially if they are made of thick, hardened steel plates. Pay attention to the fastening of the plates to each other.

On some cheap Chinese models, such a lock was easy to break just at the point where the plates were attached to each other. These locks are more compact than U-locks and take up less travel space. Most often they are folded into a rectangle and attached to the frame, taking up a minimum of space.

Moreover, they are not only rectangular, but also round, more compact in shape.
Chain.
It is also a fairly reliable option, but only if it is a strong thick chain, each link of which is welded. If you take a thick steel chain, place it in a fabric sleeve so as not to scratch the frame, and hang a normal barn lock on it, then such a homemade bike lock will reliably protect the bike from theft. Only his weight will not be 200 grams, which you need to carry with you.

When choosing chains, it is better to take not an ordinary chain from a hardware store, but cargo chains with a thick link made of hardened steel.
Cable.
It's pretty handy, lightweight. But, again, a lot depends on the thickness of the cable and the material from which it is made, as well as in all other cases, on the lock larva. How durable and vandal-proof it is.

Remember that a thin cable can be easily cut with a bolt cutter.
Bicycle locks type Ottolock.
They are special in that they are durable, flexible and take up little space, fitting perfectly into or even in a pocket.

The lock tape itself consists of several thin but strong steel plates covered with a Kevlar layer in a Santoprene thermoplastic braid. It is very difficult to bite such a tape with bolt cutters, but it will not resist against the grinder. In order to break the head of the lock, you need to make an effort of 2 tons.

These are quite convenient and reliable bike locks.
Wheel blockers.
These devices are different types... Some simply put on the wheel, put on the rotors, attach the wheel to the frame, but they all have one serious drawback. They do not provide an opportunity to simply carry the bike away by hand or take it away by car.

According to the type of locking device, bicycle locks are of two types.

Full construction
With a code block.

Here everyone decides for himself what is easier for him - to remember the code or carry the key with him. There are ways to open both those and other locks. Key locks are opened with master keys, and codes are simply picked up. If you choose a code, then take with at least four digits.

Unambiguously answer the question, which bicycle lock better and more reliable is impossible. Each of all types has its own pros and cons. The code can be forgotten, but the key can be lost, the cable can be bite to eat, and the arc can be cut with a grinder. There are no unbreakable locks. The question is in the time it takes. In the end, there were cases when the fence was broken and the bike was taken away by car. One thief sawed a tree for five hours to steal a bicycle.

If you are using a bike rack, do not put your iron horse on the edge. Thieves most often try to steal the extreme ones, since they have freer access to them. Try to squeeze yours between others.
The use of bicycle cams, especially on wheels and seat posts, makes them easier to steal. Although there are special anti-vandal eccentrics. Consider this. If you do not use eccentrics, tighten the wheel axle bolts very tight. It is useful both for driving safety and as an anti-theft measure. There is one more original idea, but quite difficult to implement: order custom nuts and bolts with unique keys. It will be quite difficult to promote them.
Another unusual and controversial way is not too clean your bike. Some cyclists believe that dirty bikes are less stolen. True, you still have to ride it, and how comfortable it will be depends on you.
There is one more original way. Just leaving the bike and securing it with a good lock, take it off and take it with you. Stealing a bike without a saddle is somewhat problematic - you can't go anywhere on it, and selling it without a saddle is more difficult. If the seatpost is fitted with an eccentric, it is easy to remove. And if it is not very long and the saddle is not wide, then carrying this set with you is not too difficult. It is also possible - you will not ride much without them. True, they are not always clean, and it takes longer to twist them.
Don't be afraid to look eccentric - a barn lock and a strong chain are much more difficult to eat than a thin cable. As mentioned above, when choosing chains, it is better to take not an ordinary chain from a hardware store, but cargo chains made of thick hardened steel. In the end, the velor may simply not have enough time to open these locks and saw or bite the chain with bolt cutters.
When attaching the bike, fix all easily removable parts - wheels, saddle. Take off expensive accessories - GPS navigators and other bells and whistles.
Write down the frame number for yourself. Where is the frame serial number on the bike? It is embossed at the bottom of the frame under the bushing or at the front. The bike frame number can be in the form of numbers or letters and numbers. This will help prove that the bike is really yours. It is best that it be spelled out in the warranty card when buying in a store. It's still not bad to have a photo of you with your bike. Firstly, this will be proof that this is your bike, and secondly, the police will clearly see what to look for, and she, "abandoning all cases, will immediately announce an interception plan in search of" your iron friend.
There is one more little trick. Place a piece of paper inside, under or inside, on which you write down your data. It will serve as additional proof that you are the real owner. You can also write or scratch your name on it. A tagged bike is more difficult to sell, and it will be easier to prove that it is yours.
The appearance of the bike does not have to be very provocative. Wrap tape around the handlebar or part of the frame. The task is to show a potential thief that this bike is not the best option for sale. Sometimes a slightly rusted handlebar or seatpost will drastically reduce the value of the entire bike.
By the way, the more original your bike is painted, the more difficult it will be to sell it and the faster it will be identified in case of theft. This is the same as that of motorists.
The bike alarm can be used. She will attract attention with her squeak and scare inexperienced thieves. And experienced ones, realizing that there is an alarm on the bike, most likely will not get involved with it. The alarm is most often triggered by movement.
Another purely psychological moment. Bicycles are not permitted inside most shops or office centers. However, "try not torture" - try to go with him. If they are already not allowed, at this moment ask the guard to look after the bike. At least, there is already a responsible person and a bicycle under supervision, which is already good.
Try to insure your bike against theft, theft and damage.

There are some pretty original solutions for protecting bicycles from theft:

Chinese engineers invented V.Y. Handle Lock. This is a strong, flexible cable, which during the trip is in the handlebars of the bicycle, and in the parking lot it closes on the right grip, which plays the role of a lock. True, it will not save you from a bolt cutter.